Services Offered

Procedures Performed

• Crowns Remove
  Crowns

  A dental crown is a way of protecting and restoring a decayed or broken tooth. If a tooth has decayed to the point that it will not support a filling or an inlay, a crown can be placed over the tooth or dental implant to repair the tooth. A crown cups over the part of the tooth that lies at and above the gum line, becoming the new outer surface of the tooth. It restores the function and look of the problem tooth. It’s also called a tooth or dental cap. Dental crowns can be used to protect a weak, decayed or cracked tooth. In addition to helping with supporting teeth, crowns can also help a tooth’s appearance. Crowns improve the look of a tooth by covering teeth that have large fillings, are misshapen, or are discolored. They also can be used to hold a dental bridge in place. Dental crowns can be made from metals, porcelain-fused-to-metal, resin, or ceramic materials. Metal crowns are strong and long-lasting, but have a metallic color that is unappealing to some patients. Porcelain-fused-to-metal matches the color of your teeth. However, the porcelain part can break off exposing the metal color. Resin is less expensive, but wears down more quickly. All ceramic and porcelain crowns match your natural color, but they are not as strong as the crowns that include metals. Dental crowns require two dentist visits. During your first dental visit, Southern Dental will examine and clean the tooth. X-rays may be taken to check the roots and bone surrounding the tooth is strong enough to support the new crown. Next your tooth and gums will be numbed to file down the chewing surface of the tooth, to prepare for the crown. Then impression putty is used to make an impression of the tooth that will be crowned. The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where the permanent crown is made. Southern Dental will fill the tooth with a temporary crown to protect the tooth until your next dentist visit. During your second dental visit, the temporary crown will be removed. A local anesthetic will be used to numb the area and the new crown will be cemented into place. These crowns usually last between five and fifteen years depending on the material making up the crown. Also patient diligence can affect the lifespan of the crown. You can extend the life of your crown (and all your teeth) by taking good care of your teeth and scheduling regular checkups with Southern Dental. Call (803) 794-2273 to schedule your appointment today.
• Dental Implants Remove
  Dental Implants

  Dental Implants
• Bridge Work Remove
  Bridge Work

  Dental Bridge Work
• Sedation Dentistry Remove
  Sedation Dentistry

  Sedation Dentistry

Conditions Treated

• Gum Disease Remove
  Gum Disease

  Many adults suffer from gum disease, also called periodontal disease. Gum disease refers to any inflammation of the gums that support the teeth. The amount of inflammation can vary, and as with any dental condition, is much easier to treat when found in the early stages. With proper care, the progression of gum disease can be stopped or slowed. Bacteria in the mouth are the primary cause of gum disease. These bacteria form plaque on teeth. Hardened plaque that cannot be removed easily with brushing is called tartar. The bacteria can wear away at the teeth, and cause the gums to become inflamed. Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease. The gums will become red, swollen and will easily bleed. At this early stage, gum disease can be easily managed or even reversed. Southern Dental can help you set up a routine of oral care that will help you combat gingivitis before it becomes a more serious issue. You may feel discomfort with gingivitis, but perhaps not. Routine checkups can help you find gingivitis before you feel discomfort or the bacteria has a chance to do much damage. If gingivitis is allowed to progress it can become periodontitis where plaque can spread below the gum line. The bacteria will irritate the gums and cause the tissues and bones that support the teeth to break down. Periodontitis will cause the gums to separate from the teeth. These spaces between the teeth and gums can look unsightly and can easily become infected. This is a disease that will become more destructive if left unmanaged. The pockets in your mouth will deepen until the tissues in the gum and bone are destroyed. Patients may not feel any discomfort until teeth become loose and need to be removed. Dentists can use scaling and root planing to battle gum diseases. These are very effective treatments and most patients respond well to these two approaches and will not need surgery. Ongoing maintenance will be required to manage the gum disease. Southern Dental may refer you to a periodontist if periodontal surgery is necessary. Some of the risk factors are poor dental hygiene, smoking, and poor diet. Maintaining good dental health can help, but it is not a guarantee you will not develop gum disease. Other factors, such as genetics, hormone changes, diabetes, AIDS, and even oral cancer, can also cause gum disease. Southern Dental can check for both gingivitis and do an oral cancer screening at your next appointment. Call (803) 794-2273 to schedule your appointment today.
• Cavities Remove
  Cavities

  Every morning you get up, wash your face and brush your teeth. Why do you brush your teeth every day if not twice a day? It is to avoid cavities. No one wants to hear that they have cavities when they go to their dentist appointment. Teeth are made up of the hardest substance in the body. Under the gum line cementum covers the tooth roots. Under the cementum is dentin. Dentin is a strong bone-like substance that contains nerve endings. Under the layer of dentin are vascular tissue called the dental pulp. The pulp gives nourishment to the tooth as it grows. After the tooth has matured, the dental pulp lets you know if the tooth is damaged. It does this by transmitting <a href="/reference/conditions/pain">pain</a>. Cavities are holes that develop in the teeth. These holes are caused by plaque. Plaque is made up of bacteria that cause teeth to decay. When the bacteria come into contact with carbohydrates they form an acid that can eat away at the enamel of the teeth. If left alone, these acids will continue to eat away at the tooth and cause the tooth to decay. As the tooth decays all the way down to the nerve endings in the dental pulp, the tooth begins to ache. During your scheduled dental appointment, Southern Dental will look at your teeth and take x-rays. If a cavity is found, first the decayed part will be removed. Then the remaining hole will be filled with a dental filling to prevent further decay. Fillings can be made out of various materials. What is available to you will depend on the size and location of your cavity. Ask about your options so you can make an informed decision. You can help prevent cavities by brushing your teeth after every meal with fluoride toothpaste. Though it can be a temptation to skip nighttime brushing, don’t. Brush away food and bacteria before bed so it does not have time to multiply while you sleep. Don’t forget to brush your gums and tongue every time you brush. Flossing and limiting sugar can also keep bacteria from taking hold and growing. It takes a while for decay to work from the enamel to the dental pulp so don’t wait till you feel pain before you see a dentist. It is much easier to treat a cavity before it causes pain. Schedule regular appointments every six months with Southern Dental. This is your best defense against cavities and tooth decay. If you experience any pain call (803) 794-2273 to schedule an immediate appointment.